Illinois failed to investigate nursing home complaints for 3 1/2 months of pandemic
Illinois failed to investigate nursing home complaints for 3 1/2 months of pandemic
Despite the concentration of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois nursing homes, more than 272 neglect and abuse complaints were ignored by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Corruption costs Illinois an estimated $556M per year
Corruption costs Illinois an estimated $556M per year
Illinois’ high levels of corruption damage the state’s economy, costing it $10.6 billion since 2000. States with higher levels of corruption average lower levels of economic growth.
By Bryce Hill
Why Pritzker’s ‘fair tax’ fails 3 of 4 basic tests
Why Pritzker’s ‘fair tax’ fails 3 of 4 basic tests
The progressive tax’s structure fails to account for inflation and includes a marriage penalty for 4 million Illinoisans. It is designed to creep farther into taxpayers’ wallets.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois unemployment benefits stolen as state fails to implement basic security
Illinois unemployment benefits stolen as state fails to implement basic security
The Illinois Department of Employment Security troubles included scores of unemployed unable to get benefits, nearly 32,500 Social Security numbers exposed and now benefits theft. A simple fix used by many online retailers could have prevented the thefts.
Christian Fogal
Christian Fogal
"My argument is they’re not fulfilling their contract because they’re more focused on politics and political activism than they are on benefits."
Monthly jobs report fails to show depth of Illinois job losses
Monthly jobs report fails to show depth of Illinois job losses
IDES estimated unemployment rate remains artificially low because it fails to count nearly 238,000 Illinoisans who have given up trying to find a job.
By Bryce Hill
Political patronage? Not in Illinois, Pritzker argues in court
Political patronage? Not in Illinois, Pritzker argues in court
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker sees no patronage problem in his administration – not that there’s no patronage, just that he apparently doesn’t see it as a problem.
By Brad Weisenstein
Pritzker hands federal relief to 2,600 small businesses while pushing for tax increase on 100,000
Pritzker hands federal relief to 2,600 small businesses while pushing for tax increase on 100,000
Despite the hardships small businesses face from COVID-19 restrictions, Pritzker continues to push for a tax increase on them.
Brad Nelson and Cully Vojtech: Liberty Barber Shop
Brad Nelson and Cully Vojtech: Liberty Barber Shop
"We’re down 40 to 50% in customers and income and it’s not really flying back. We have a little overhead compared to restaurants. We can withstand it longer, I hope."
Pritzker hits Metro East with new restrictions on businesses
Pritzker hits Metro East with new restrictions on businesses
Some activities allowed under the state’s Phase 4 reopening plan have been pulled back.
Jackie Jackson: Kilwins
Jackie Jackson: Kilwins
"We’re very hurt, we’re disappointed and we’re frustrated with what has happened with the city. We don’t want to pack up and leave. We have too much invested."
Democratic state lawmakers demand ethics reform in wake of Madigan scandal
Democratic state lawmakers demand ethics reform in wake of Madigan scandal
Pressure continues to build to repair Illinois’ broken ethics laws, as more Democrats demand reform and more lawmakers face corruption charges.
Illinois teachers’ unions funnel nearly $3.9 million to Madigan
Illinois teachers’ unions funnel nearly $3.9 million to Madigan
Teachers’ unions have provided lots of campaign cash to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who’s been implicated in a bribery scandal. Teachers who don’t want their money sent to a corrupt system can opt out of the union.
By Mailee Smith